Lightfoot solar scooter now on sale, claims 18 miles of range from sun

Most small electric vehicles go faster, heavier, and more powerful. Otherlab, a San Francisco R&D company, went the other direction: How little vehicle does someone actually need for short trips?

The answer is the Lightfoot, a solar-powered electric scooter now on sale after a prototype debut nearly two years ago. The first 100 Launch Edition scooters are $4,495 including delivery, with a $100 refundable reservation. Colors are sky blue and solar orange.

The scooter tops out at under 20 mph (32 km/h) and carries two people on a long bench seat. Electrek reports that the 45-liter (1.6 cubic foot) lockable, weatherproof cargo compartment fits three grocery bags, and there is room for a passenger as well.

Solar panels cover both sides of the body: two 120W panels totaling 240W. Otherlab claims they add 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6 km) of range per hour in good sunlight, up to 18 miles (29 km) over a full day. The scooter's 52V, 1,560Wh battery is rated for 37 miles (60 km) of range. A 5-mile (8 km) commute each way, with the scooter parked outside all day, could recharge most or all of that energy from sun alone in favorable conditions.

A 230W onboard charger can also plug into a wall outlet, fully charging in about four hours. So sunshine isn't necessary, just another option.

Power comes from two 750W nominal geared hub motors (one per wheel), rated at 1,000W peak each. Otherlab claims 160 Nm of combined torque, enough for most hills. The scooter weighs 141 lb (64 kg), with a 48-inch wheelbase.

Suspension includes a 70mm-travel inverted front fork and a 45mm-travel rear coil-over shock. Brakes are Tektro hydraulic discs with 160mm rotors. Tires are 14 x 3.2 inches. There's a 2,000-lumen headlight, an accelerometer-activated taillight, a 120 dB horn, a lockable center stand, a Bluetooth display, and regenerative braking.

Otherlab pitches the Lightfoot for city streets and bike lanes and says it doesn't require a license or registration. Electrek notes that micromobility regulations vary by state and municipality, so riders should check local laws. The lack of pedals could be a disqualifier in some places.

Electrek calls the Lightfoot expensive at $4,495 compared to other 20 mph seated scooters like the Infinite Machine Olto. But the piece argues the price buys unusual design, enclosed cargo, two-person seating, full suspension, dual motors, and the solar panels. For someone with a short daily commute, outdoor parking, and a desire for a self-sustaining vehicle, it could be a fit.

• commuter
• electric scooter
• Lightfoot
• micromobility
• Otherlab
• solar scooter